Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi

Imagine tender chicken nestled among pillowy gnocchi, all bathed in a creamy, aromatic sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. This Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is the epitome of comfort food with an Italian twist—a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. The rich, velvety sauce coats each piece of gnocchi perfectly, while the chicken adds satisfying protein to this one-pan wonder. You’ll learn how to create this impressive yet simple dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe will quickly become a family favorite for so many reasons. First, it’s a complete meal in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. The contrast between the tender, juicy chicken and the soft, pillowy gnocchi creates a delightful textural experience in every bite.

The sauce is truly the star—creamy and luxurious with the perfect balance of flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes, which add a sweet-tangy punch, and the fresh spinach, which brings a mild earthiness and beautiful color. Garlic and Italian herbs provide aromatic depth that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

What’s more, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it accessible even on busy weeknights. It’s impressive enough for company but easy enough for a Monday. The Italian-inspired flavors transport you straight to Tuscany without requiring specialty ingredients or complicated techniques.

Ingredients

For this Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe, you’ll need:

• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

The sun-dried tomatoes add intense umami flavor and should ideally be the oil-packed variety for the richest taste. For the gnocchi, store-bought works perfectly, making this Tuscan chicken dish accessible for any night of the week.

Pro Tips

Perfect Your Chicken Technique: The key to juicy chicken in this Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is to not overcook it. Cut your chicken pieces uniformly so they cook evenly, and sear them quickly over medium-high heat just until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, resulting in tender, succulent meat rather than tough, dry pieces.

Create a Silky Sauce: For the creamiest sauce, add your heavy cream gradually while stirring continuously. This prevents curdling and helps incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer gently rather than boil vigorously, which can break the cream and result in a grainy texture.

Timing Is Everything With Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi typically doesn’t need pre-cooking before adding to the sauce. Add the gnocchi when the sauce is already simmering, then cook just until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Overcooking gnocchi can make them gummy or fall apart in the sauce. For a slightly crispy exterior, you can optionally sauté the gnocchi in a separate pan with a bit of olive oil before adding to the sauce.

Instructions

Step 1

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides but not completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for another minute to release the flavors.

Step 3

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these contain tremendous flavor!). Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce, stirring gently to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi begins to float and become tender. Return the partially cooked chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the gnocchi is tender.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce for about 1-2 minutes. The heat from the sauce will quickly cook the spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Step 7

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes; this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve your Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi immediately while hot and creamy.

Variations

Seafood Tuscan Gnocchi: For a delicious twist on this Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi, substitute the chicken with large shrimp or scallops. Cook the seafood for just 1-2 minutes per side until barely opaque before removing from the pan, then add back in during the final minute of cooking to prevent overcooking. The sweet seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.

Vegetarian Tuscan Gnocchi: Create a meat-free version by omitting the chicken and doubling the vegetables. Add sautéed mushrooms (cremini or portobello work well), bell peppers, and zucchini to the sauce for a hearty vegetable medley. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding a can of drained and rinsed white beans for protein. The result is a satisfying vegetarian dish with all the creamy Tuscan flavors.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a quality cashew cream. Replace the butter with additional olive oil or vegan butter, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. While the flavor profile will shift slightly, you’ll still get a rich, creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi dish that caters to dietary restrictions without sacrificing comfort.

Storage and Serving

This Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revitalize the sauce, which tends to thicken when chilled. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. I don’t recommend freezing this dish as cream-based sauces and gnocchi can change texture significantly when thawed.

For serving, present this dish in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful ingredients. A side of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the remaining sauce—too delicious to leave behind! For a complete meal, serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness of the dish.

For an impressive dinner party presentation, transfer the Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi to a large serving platter, garnish with additional Parmesan shavings, fresh basil, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi works beautifully in this Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe. Since homemade gnocchi is often more delicate, add it to the sauce and simmer just until it floats to the surface, which may take slightly less time than store-bought varieties.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. Just be careful not to let it boil, as lower-fat dairy products can curdle more easily.

Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day ahead, but add the gnocchi and spinach only when reheating to serve. Gently reheat the sauce with the chicken, then add fresh gnocchi and cook until tender before stirring in the spinach.

What type of white wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied white wine with good acidity pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce in Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi. Try a Pinot Grigio, unoaked Chardonnay, or a Vermentino for an authentic Tuscan experience.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce. Use about 1/2 cup of thawed frozen spinach in place of the 3 cups fresh, as frozen spinach is more compact.

Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors that transport you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, yet requires minimal effort to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and velvety sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach creates a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this one-pan wonder is sure to impress while keeping your cooking stress-free. From the first aromatic whiff to the last satisfying bite, this Tuscan-inspired creation delivers pure comfort in every forkful.

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